From Claire, on the differences between the proposed and the actual budget:

It wasn't that much of a stretch. There was a moment of panic when I realized we hadn't thought through the fact that tearing all the walls down would ultimately be necessary for running electric up to code. That was definitely an added expense up near $800ish (so. much. joint compound.)

Also, as we began to fall in love with the space, we began to justify a few indulgences, like installing subway tile floor-to-ceiling on the range wall and picking out a statement sconce from Schoolhouse Electric for the center of the room. We also backed ourselves into a corner with the faucet purchase. Long story short, there were only a few options that would even fit in the height we allotted for it. And they were pricey options.

Also, as the space neared completion, we spent a few extra bucks on details like trying to match the living room baseboard with salvaged trim (rather than installing blah contractor baseboard) and deciding to give the back landing some TLC with new tile, paint, and a chandelier, an extra couple hundred bucks.

Projected: I'm budgeting in $1000 for all the things that I can't visualize or expect!Actual: • Various buildings materials from a number of 3 ft long Home Depot receipts including all things needed for electric, plumbing, heating, drywall, joint compound, and tools needs (like sanding discs, various hardware items, etc.): $1300• 9' Floating Walnut Shelf (including $55 for LED tape lighting from InspiredLED.com): $285• Princeton Junior Sconce from Schoolhouse Electric: $150• 2 IKEA OTTAVA pendants: $60• Back landing chandelier - Craigslist + paint: $100• IKEA RIBBA picture rail: $16• IKEA FINTORP kitchen rails (2 sizes combined): $18• Kitchen cart from Home Depot ($80) topped with a 24x48" birch butcher block countertop from Menards ($80): $160• Counter stools - a discontinued IKEA model that Jeff had sitting around in his art studio. We will replace with something we love when the time is right. $0• And Large "monster" illustration by Jennifer Davis, Small monster by Jeffrey Grutter (yes, as in Claire & Jeffrey - a man of many talents!), Figure painting by the back stairs by David Bonagurio.

Projected Total: $1000Actual Total: $2089Difference: +$1089

Total Budget:

$7,786 (high guess)

Actual Budget:

$8,720

Difference:

$934

Readers, Check out the full series to see the whole renovation process, step-by-step. And tune in next week for Claire and Jeffrey's final thoughts on their renovation.

The Renovation Diaries are a new collaboration with our community in which we feature your step by step renovation progress and provide monetary support towards getting it done in style. See all of our Reno Diaries here.